BackRoads International Women's Day 2026

TINA NICOLIS

My running journey began seven years ago after I lost a dear friend to ALS. To honour her memory and show gratitude for my own health, I bought a pair of running shoes and joined a learn-to-run group. I had no idea how much this simple decision would change my life. In the years that followed, I’ve had the privilege of qualifying for and running some of the most iconic marathons—Boston, New York, and Chicago. One of my proudest moments was running the Boston Marathon in my 50th year, which was also the 50th anniversary of women being allowed to run this race.

What inspires me most about running is the incredible diversity within the community. We all come together—young and old, men and women, experienced and new runners—and offer support to one another at every event. Running has nurtured a growth mindset in me, one that I never had before. It’s taught me that I can dream big and push through challenges. Through running, I’ve found new adventures, like completing the Quebec Mega Trail 50km Ultra. It has also shifted my overall health focus. Strength training and mindful nutrition now play key roles in making me stronger.

But honestly, what I’m most proud of is how this journey has impacted my children. Seeing them get motivated to make healthy choices because of my commitment to my own health fills me with pride and joy. And, of course, the best part of running has been the amazing friends I’ve made in the running groups. I’m lucky to have a community of people who support me, and I get to do the same for them.

This journey has not been done alone—it's with the support of my family and running friends that I've found the strength to embrace adventure, grow stronger, and never say no to what’s ahead.

LESLIE JACK

Running a marathon isn’t just about crossing a finish line. For me, it’s been a journey of personal physical and mental growth, determination, learning to push past limits, especially when it gets harder. My running journey began back in high school when I thoroughly enjoyed track and field (200 meters was my favourite distance!), but the spark that ignited my passion for running came from an unexpected source: a friend of mine who inspired me to initially take on the challenge of running half-marathons and now marathons.

In 2017, I ran my very first half-marathon in the Netherlands, when I crossed the finish line, I instantly knew that it would not be my last, but the first of many. When I look back, I never thought I would ever be running a half-marathon, never mind a marathon. But, then, I saw a friend of mine training for half-marathons. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that if she could do it, why couldn’t I? Her commitment to running made me believe in myself in ways I hadn’t before. It wasn’t just about physical strength, it was about mental strength, resilience, and discipline. That’s when I decided to take the leap and sign up for my first half marathon.

Of course, the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There were days when my body felt like it was running on empty, or when I questioned if I was truly cut out for this. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and exhaustion, especially during long training sessions. But here’s the thing: those moments were the hardest but also the most rewarding.

What I have learnt over the years as a runner is that first in running, you cannot rush the process. You simply cannot fast-forward and skip kilometers, nor should you wish to — for it’s the kilometres that you lose yourself in, the kilometres that make you stronger, and the kilometers that you count. You must trust the process. You must trust that hitting your weekly mileage goals, your weekly long run, and your cross-training will pay off on race day. Running is very personal and very goal-oriented. You are not competing with others but are competing with yourself. Running is about being the best version of yourself. It’s about seeing your strength, speed, and progress over time. The journey matters as much as the destination.

If you’re thinking about running your first marathon, or even just starting to run, my advice is simple: Don’t quit. Keep going. Start slow, build your strength, and most importantly, trust yourself. It won’t always be easy, but you’ll surprise yourself with how far you can go. Remember, every step is progress, and the journey is just as important as the finish line.

MARLENE BARRINGTON

MERCEDES CAXAJ

For years, I tried and failed to stick with running. It wasn’t until the music industry in which I work shut down during the pandemic, and my close friend—now partner—encouraged me to keep going that I finally committed to putting in the work. That period of uncertainty affected all of us in different ways. But I had no idea my world would shut down yet again so soon: our son was born four months early and spent five months fighting for his life in the hospital.

So what started as a simple way to lose a few extra pounds became something much deeper. Running kept me grounded. It became my outlet, my way of holding on to a sense of control when so much felt uncertain. Unlike the challenges I faced—things beyond my control—running had clear, tangible goals: a pace, a distance, an upcoming race, or simply getting out the door. And those goals were mine alone to chase.

At first, I told myself that if I could just run 10K, I’d feel accomplished. And I did—it was amazing. But then the goals got bigger. Within a year of giving birth, I ran my first marathon, and seeing my son at the finish line was one of the proudest, happiest moments of my life. He was my motivation every step of the way.

I’m not an elite runner, nor do I aspire to be. That’s not my purpose. I run to be part of this incredible community—one filled with support, friendship, and shared experiences. Running has given me so much, and in turn, I want to celebrate others, cheer them on, and embrace the beauty of movement together.

CLARA FITZGERALD

My running journey began as a little girl, running at community events, family, picnics, and elementary school races and has continued my whole life into high school, university and my adult life.

My parents were active and encouraged both my brother and I to be active playing a variety of sports and of course running.

I have literally been a runner all my life. I still cherish the childhood memories & ribbons collected over the years as much as I do the medals and photos of my big races of today. When I think of running now, I realize it’s so much more than just running. It’s a way of life, a reminder of the importance of self care, dedication & consistency.

Over the years as a mom it was important to me that my kids were active, that I was active with my kids and I tried to be a role model for them by continuing to always be active. One of my greatest joys is sharing my running with my children and participating in events together. As the former director of a National Centre on Aging and Mobility for most of my career, I know how important keeping active is to our overall health, especially as we get older. Running is for everyone!

I think with whatever activity one chooses, to always continue to find the joy of that activity. There is so much good that comes from being part of a community. The friendships that are made, the growth that comes with that and the sense of community and everything that we do both benefitting from being part of the community and always trying to find creative ways to give back.

I run often, I run long, and I keep the Joy of running in my Heart. Simply put for me, running is the rawest form of freedom and self expression which makes me feel fully alive. From all the training, toeing the line at race day, fun runs, challenging runs, running in all weather, enjoying the nature of running, the pounding of my heart, the rhythm of my feet, logging my runs on Strava ;) and everything else in between!

I have learned so much about myself through running and I continue to learn & challenge myself and try varied activities.

I show up & put it all out there in the hopes of giving it my best and sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t, but putting in the work, enjoying the process, making the connections with great friends and giving it my best is what it’s all about for me!

Running is my happy place and I’m grateful to share it with our wonderful community at Backroads. Training - Running are metaphors for the priority of health in my life! I hope my running journey continues for life & I hope you nurture the healthiest version of you - maybe through running too.

MARTHA WILSON

Running Through the Years

I started running 40 years ago on a whim and quickly became hooked on racing. Early motherhood shifted my focus to pushing a baby jogger, but as my daughters grew, I returned to racing. Seeing me run inspired them to get involved, and we sometimes raced together, including in the Carla Mills 100 km Relay from London to Port Stanley and back. I was a proud mom when my eldest daughter ran her first marathon at the Toronto Waterfront with me.

My longest race was 112 km in support of Brain Tumour Research following the death of a young family friend. I’ve completed over 225 races, including 2 ultras, 11 marathons, and 60 half marathons. Highlights include the 1991 and 2018 Boston Marathons and the Kona Half Marathon. I’ve embraced trail racing as a challenge, focusing less on pace and more on being present in my surroundings.

I gain inspiration from the runners around me in our community - young moms balancing training and racing while raising families, runners who continue getting out there as we slow down, and from my closest running gal friends: a 6 Star Finisher, an over 50 marathons completed, and a Canadian age group record holder among them. The rise in female participation in the sport is phenomenal, and the increase in runners in the 60+ age groups is encouraging.

Running has given me a community of friends, turning club bonds into lifelong relationships. It provides a mental boost, offering clarity and strength. Strength training, yoga, biking, and swimming now help me stay balanced and injury-free. Running has been a constant source of growth, connection, and self-discovery and has shown me that no matter the pace, the journey and the people are what matter most.

SHEILA HENRICKS

Weight loss was the reason for why I began my running journey. At 5 am in the dark of the early morning I would shuffle down my street in my Sportchek running shoes. I chose this time so no one else would see me and how slow I was going. I still go out for 5 am runs but now it is to continue to push past the limits of what I think I can do and to show what my body can do.

The running community has given me the courage and inspiration to keep pushing my boundaries. I have even had the great privilege of participating in the New York City marathon, Half marathon and the London marathon in England.

Some of my best friends have come from different running groups I have joined around the city. My hope is to show everyone that we are so much more than what people perceive us to be. We are all runners as long as we are running no matter how fast or how far.

Do I inspire anyone, I am not sure. But if one person takes that step toward health and fitness from hearing or seeing what I do, then it definitely makes it all worthwhile.

SUSANA ROSALES

Never limit where running can take you. These were the words Bart Yasso told me when I met him at the Buffalo marathon expo in 2014. That phrase still echoes in my mind every time I run solo.

Running has been a defining part of my life for the past 17 years. I first laced up my running shoes when my youngest son was a baby, during a time when I was battling postpartum depression. Refusing to rely on medication, I discovered that running wasn’t just exercise—it was healing.

In 2009, I traveled to Chicago to cheer on some friends from Mexico running the marathon. Watching them, I witnessed the true spirit of the sport. It was a revelation—I knew then that I wanted to run a marathon myself. In 2010, I stood at the start line of the Buffalo Marathon, feeling an overwhelming mix of nerves and emotion. I had never imagined running such a distance, yet there I was. Since then, I have completed 18 marathons, including Chicago, Mexico City, and most recently, the Houston Marathon in 2025.

Running has given me more than I ever dreamed—it has taken me to places I never imagined, introduced me to incredible people who have become lifelong friends, and filled my life with gratitude. One of my most cherished moments was running 50 kilometres on my 50th birthday, surrounded by Backroads Running community and dear friends who joined me for parts of the journey. It was a day I will always treasure.

I have been inspired by trailblazing women like Kathrine Switzer, whose courageous run at the Boston Marathon paved the way for female marathoners worldwide. Meeting her at marathon expos in Toronto, Las Vegas, Boston, and Detroit was an honor. I also admire young champions like Kara Goucher and Desiree Linden—women whose books and podcasts continue to motivate me.

Running has taught me invaluable life lessons:
💪 Goal setting—pushing myself beyond limits.
🧠 Mental toughness—embracing discomfort and growth.
🔄 Resilience—rising after every setback.
🎯 Discipline—showing up even when motivation fades.
😊 But above all, running has taught me that joy is found in the journey.

The marathon will change your life. It has certainly changed mine.